The National Invitation Tournament continues as UC Irvine faces UAB on March 26 in the quarterfinals.
UC Irvine (30-6) was ranked second behind UC San Diego in the Big West Conference and won the Western Slam Championships. It is the third straight NIT invite for the Anteaters and the furthest the program has gotten. The top-ranked team beat Northern Colorado and Jacksonville State.
Bent Leuchten has led the team all season in points (15.3), rebounds (9.0) and blocks (1.3) per game. Leuchten scored 10 points in the second round against Jacksonville State, while Justin Hohn led the team with 22 points.
UAB (24-12) ranked third in the ACC. It is the first time the Blazers are in the NIT since losing in the finals in 2023. The team beat No. 3 Saint Joseph’s and No. 2 Santa Clara to advance.
Yaxel Lendeborg scored 22 points against Santa Clara, adding 11 rebounds to his stats. He led the team all season in points (17.8), rebounds (11.2), assists (4.2), steals (1.8) and blocks (1.8) per game.
Here’s what you need to know about Wednesday’s NIT matchup between UC Irvine and UAB, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is UC Irvine vs. UAB on today?
UC Irvine vs. UAB is on ESPN2. Pete Sousa and Scott Williams have the call.
Fans looking to stream UC Irvine vs. UAB can watch live on Fubo or ESPN+.
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UC Irvine vs. UAB start time
- Date: Wednesday, March 26
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
The NIT game between UC Irvine and UAB is set to tip off at 9 p.m. ET from the Bren Events Center in Irvine, California.
Russell Turner coaches his 15th season for UC Irvine, making his fifth appearance in the NIT. The Anteaters last made the NCAA Tournament in 2019, and the program’s last time advancing far in the NIT was in 1986.
After several NIT appearances with Ole Miss, Andy Kennedy coaches his fifth season for UAB. The Blazers appeared in the NCAA Tournament last season after almost winning it all at the NIT Finals the year prior.
NIT schedule 2025
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2025 NIT:
| Round | Date |
| First round | March 18-19 |
| Second round | March 22-23 |
| Quarterfinals | March 25-26 |
| Semifinals | April 1 |
| Championship game | April 3 |